Sterling Sharpe, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Antonio Gates captivated fans with heartfelt speeches during their enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday in Canton. Sharpe took a moment to acknowledge his brother, Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, as they made history as the first set of brothers to both be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. In his speech, Sterling Sharpe reflected on the importance of family, stating, 'Everything I did was for an audience of one,' emphasizing the strong influence of his brother. He invited Shannon onstage and humorously noted his brother's previous claim about being the second-best player in the family, declaring it a privilege for them to share the same honor of gold jackets.

Jared Allen, a former defensive end, began his speech with a nod to both the Chicago Bears and a declaration of Minnesota Vikings as his home. He shared his motivation for achieving 136 career sacks in the NFL, attributing his drive to a 'pursuit of greatness' and the desire to honor the sport and its legends. Allen recalled how he kept the NFL sack leaders taped in his locker each season, reminding himself of the excellence he aspired to every day. Eric Allen, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988, expressed his gratitude for the honor and conveyed his deep respect for the game of football and the commitment it demands. He articulated that the game had taught him the values of devotion, passion, and patience.

Antonio Gates highlighted his enshrinement by recognizing the key players who contributed to his NFL record of 116 career touchdowns for tight ends. He specifically acknowledged quarterback Philip Rivers for their remarkable connection, citing 89 touchdowns thrown to him during their time with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers. Gates expressed deep appreciation for Rivers, stating, 'You weren't just the guy throwing the ball, you were the heartbeat of all this,' crediting their mutual trust as pivotal to his success. He also praised running back LaDainian Tomlinson, describing their collaboration on the field as 'poetry in motion,' articulating the fortune he felt in playing alongside such exceptional talent. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, which began enshrining players in 1963, has honored 371 players prior to the Class of 2025's induction. Following their induction ceremony, the new enshrinees participated in an autograph session at Canton Memorial Field House.